Cryptid Vault
Kongamato

Kongamato

Also known as: Breaker of Boats, African Pterosaur

Zambian fishermen describe a flying reptile with leathery wings and teeth that capsizes their boats.

First Reported

1923

Origin Area

Jiundu Swamp, Zambia

Size

4-7 foot wingspan

Temperament

Aggressive when disturbed

Status

Unverified

Eyewitness reportsMedium DangerAfricaSwampRiverForest

The Lore

The Kongamato is a large flying creature reported in Zambia, Angola, and the Congo. Witnesses describe a reddish, featherless animal with a wingspan of 4 to 7 feet, leathery wings, and a long beak filled with teeth. When shown illustrations of pterosaurs, local witnesses consistently identify them as the Kongamato. Explorer Frank Melland first documented the reports in his 1923 book.

Body Type

ReptilianAvian

Folklore Origin

Indigenous traditionHistorical reports

Notable Witnesses

  • Frank Melland
  • Engineer J.P.F. Brown

Media Appearances

  • Destination Truth (TV)

Similar Real Animals

Shoebill storkHammerhead batPteranodon (extinct)